Needleless Connector With Integrated Filter And Bypass Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional needleless connectors in IV sets often fail to prevent the transfer of bacteria and other microorganisms to patients, leading to potential infections, and may restrict the flow of blood or other fluids from the patient.
Innovation Solution
A needleless connector with an integrated filter that allows for the filtration of fluids entering the patient while enabling the bypass of the filter during fluid withdrawal from the patient, thereby preventing pathogen transfer and ensuring unobstructed fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is integrated into the needleless connector to prevent pathogen transfer, then patient safety is improved, but fluid flow may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element is configured to dynamically change the flow path based on flow direction. When fluid flows from the proximal to distal port, it passes through the filter. When fluid flows from the distal to proximal port (withdrawal), the valve redirects flow to bypass the filter. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing filtration when needed and unobstructed flow when withdrawal is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal flow path is segmented into multiple pathways: a filtered path for infusion and an unfiltered bypass path for withdrawal. The valve element acts as a switch to direct fluid through different segments of the flow path depending on the operation mode, allowing the system to optimize for either safety or flow efficiency based on the specific task.
2Reliability
If a filter is added to the needleless connector, then pathogen transfer is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter and valve functions are merged into a single integrated assembly where the valve element directly interacts with the filter structure. The valve element's movement simultaneously controls both the valve function (flow direction) and the filter function (path selection), reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device structure despite adding filtration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve element serves multiple functions: it acts as a flow control valve, a path selector, and a mechanical actuator for the filter system. By making the valve element multi-functional, the design avoids adding separate control mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving pathogen prevention.
3Reliability
If the filter is always in the flow path, then filtration is continuous, but fluid withdrawal is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures the flow path based on the direction of fluid flow. During infusion, the filter remains in the flow path for continuous filtration. During withdrawal, the valve element dynamically shifts to redirect flow around the filter, eliminating obstruction and enabling smooth fluid removal. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between continuous filtration and ease of withdrawal.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The integrated filter effectively reduces the risk of pathogen transfer to the patient, while allowing for the smooth withdrawal of blood and other fluids, thus enhancing patient safety and the functionality of the IV system.
Implementation Method 1
a filter disposed around the filter support, wherein the filter is selectively removed from the flow path
Data Source
AI summary
Needleless connectors are described herein. A needleless connector includes a housing comprising a cavity and a proximal fluid port in fluid communication with the cavity. The connector further includes a filter support disposed at least partially within the cavity. The filter support can include a distal fluid port in fluid communication with the proximal fluid port. The connector further includes a filter disposed circumferentially around the filter support and between the proximal fluid port and the distal fluid port.